Investigate a key tension within a European-wide policy or European Union action, within a specific state, or related to a states efforts to attain a European membership. You will present this tension by evaluating the relevant concern, highlighting any existing policy, action, or programme that requires review, and providing recommendations for policy action.
Assessment:
1) Organization and Structure Paper follows a proper structure and logically walks reader through evidence, arguments, and recommendations. Effective use of headings will do a lot of work here!
2) Quality of Evidence The paper offers comprehensive and critical evidence, demonstrating a wide reading of relevant literature. Quality of sources and effective citation matter.
3) Content Demonstrates clear understanding of concepts and a firm understanding of the policy area, key institutions, and core challenges. Ensuring that you are correctly applying facts and theory is important.
4) Argumentation There are discernable arguments, offering sound insights that logically connect the argumentation to recommendations. Arguments go beyond simple description and provide critical insight and analytical originality, creating new arguments or relating facts in new ways.
5) Findings and Recommendations Findings and recommendations follow logically from Analysis and are supported by evidence and argumentation. Recommendations are either concrete or offer clear research paths to pursue. Logical flow from start to finish - building arguments toward conclusions - is key.
6) Presentation Presentation through a logical and coherent structure, evidence of research and proper citation, correct grammar, and effective communication are key elements of a complete assignment.
Full Answer Section
The Problem:
While the protocol aims to protect the Good Friday Agreement and maintain peace in the region, it has created several issues:
- Economic Disruption: The protocol has disrupted trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, leading to increased costs and bureaucratic burdens for businesses.
- Political Tensions: The protocol has exacerbated political tensions in Northern Ireland, with unionist parties expressing concerns about the erosion of their identity and sovereignty.
- Public Discontent: The protocol has led to public protests and unrest in Northern Ireland.
Policy Recommendations:
To address these issues, several policy options could be considered:
- Renegotiating the Protocol: The UK government could seek to renegotiate the protocol to reduce trade barriers and address concerns about sovereignty. However, this may prove difficult, as the EU has shown little willingness to reopen negotiations.
- Implementing Technological Solutions: Investing in technology to streamline customs checks and reduce the impact of the protocol on trade.
- A More Flexible Approach: The UK government could adopt a more flexible approach to implementing the protocol, allowing for greater flexibility in certain areas.
- Seeking a Long-Term Solution: Exploring long-term solutions, such as a joint customs territory or a bespoke arrangement with the EU, to address the underlying issues.
Conclusion
The Northern Ireland Protocol is a complex issue with significant implications for the UK, the EU, and Northern Ireland itself. To achieve a sustainable solution, policymakers must carefully balance the competing interests of different stakeholders and consider the long-term consequences of their decisions.
By addressing the underlying issues and seeking creative solutions, it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Sample Answer
The Tension:
The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union has created significant tensions, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland. The unique political and historical context of Northern Ireland has made it a focal point of Brexit negotiations, leading to complex and often contradictory policy objectives.
The Northern Ireland Protocol:
To avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed upon as part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. This protocol keeps Northern Ireland in the EU's single market for goods, requiring checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain.